GMC Acadia 2011 Owner's Manual page 310

9-48 Driving and Operating
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
WARNING
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may
not work well or even at all.
The driver and passengers could
be seriously injured. The vehicle
may also be damaged; the
resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer when
equipped with the proper trailer
towing equipment. For trailering
capacity, see Trailer Towing on
page 9 52. Trailering changes
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy.
With the added weight, the engine,
transmission, wheel assemblies and
tires are forced to work harder and
under greater loads. The trailer also
adds wind resistance, increasing
the pulling requirements. For safe
trailering, correctly use the proper
trailering equipment.
The following information has
important trailering tips and rules
for your safety and that of your
passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
There are many laws, including
speed limit restrictions that apply
to trailering. Check for legal
requirements.
Consider using sway control.
See Towing Equipment on
page 9 54.
Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 800 km (500 miles)
the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
During the first 800 km
(500 miles) that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This
reduces wear on the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often.
See Tow/Haul Mode later in
this section.
Obey speed limit restrictions
when towing a trailer.
The vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger and load
carrying vehicle. If a trailer is
towed, the vehicle will require
more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load.